Your Community Asset
About The Community Foundation
We inspire enduring philanthropy and enable community solutions to make Harrisonburg and Rockingham County a stronger, more vibrant community for all.
Your Community Asset
Mission & Vision
We Make It Easy to Give Back to the Community We Love.
At The Community Foundation we strive to make Harrisonburg and Rockingham County a place where its people and the greater community prosper generation after generation.
Our Staff & Board
We are community champions and stewards of philanthropic assets, working together with a sustainable vision to support our community’s problem-solvers and change-makers.
Our Values
Exceptional Service
We nurture lifelong relationships with our clients that span across generations.
Trustworthiness
We preserve donor intent and are accountable to those who place their trust in us.
Leadership
We lead and collaborate to build a better community.
Passion
We inspire passion by guiding a donor’s philanthropic journey and encouraging charitable giving throughout our community.
Our Priorities
Supporting Our Local Community Through Giving
Education
Nonprofit Support
Donor Services
Financials & Reports
Serving with Accountability & Integrity
Philanthropists entrust TCFHR to steward funds for the benefit of the community. We manage over $87.5 million in net assets. Read more about our approach to managing investments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a community foundation?
Community foundations are public charities dedicated to improving the lives of people in a defined geographic area. They bring together the financial resources of individuals, families, and businesses to identify community challenges and support effective local nonprofits. Community members provide leadership and governance, as well as advisory and grantmaking roles. Community foundations can vary in asset size, ranging from less than $100,000 to more than $1.7 billion.
Are there other community foundations in Virginia?
There are approximately 109 community foundations in Virginia, more than 900 across the United States, and about 1,000 across the world.
How is the foundation funded?
Since 1998, TCFHR has been funded by generous donors with strong connections to the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County area. Gifts of stock, annuities, cash, and property, among other options, can be donated with tax advantages.
What can a community foundation do for me?
Our donors’ charitable interests are our priority. We listen and learn from you to create a detailed plan to meet those goals. If you are with a nonprofit, we offer resources, grants, fundraising and publicity opportunities, professional development, and networking. If you’re a professional advisor, we’ll work with you to help you meet your clients’ philanthropic needs.
How does the foundation make decisions about investments?
The primary priority of our investment strategy is to support the charitable intentions of our donors. A committee of professionals meets quarterly. They bring a range of relevant expertise in matters such as financial planning, regulatory issues, and market analysis. We also partner with local advisors to manage charitable funds started by their own clients. More information is available here.
How do community foundations differ from private foundations?
Private foundations have one source of funding, usually individuals, families, or corporations, and operate under different rules, regulations and tax requirements. Community foundations are supported by a broad base of donors and this structure allows them to facilitate and pool those donations in investments for greater impact. They are classified by the IRS as publicly supported charities with different tax advantages.
How do community foundations differ from nonprofit organizations?
A community foundation is a 501(c)(3) like other nonprofits, but its main service or programming is to support other nonprofits. The breadth of the community foundation designation allows TCFHR to support a broad range of area nonprofit groups in the local community through grants, programs, or financial services.
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